Richard Simmons, fitness icon, dead at 76

Richard Simmons, the exuberant fitness guru who inspired millions to embrace a healthier lifestyle, passed away on July 20, 2024, at 76, just one day after his birthday.

Simmons has often mentioned how he was overweight as a child, and how that spurred him to embark on his inspirational fitness journey. Known for his boundless energy, eccentric personality, and signature flamboyant workout attire, Simmons became a beloved figure in the fitness world and a pop culture icon.

However, in recent years, Simmons grew reclusive, a stark contrast to the energetic fitness guru known by the masses.

How did Simmons die?

One moment he was thanking fans on social media for congratulating him on his 76th birthday, the next he had passed away. The Los Angeles Police Department found the fitness guru dead in his home after they’d taken a 911 call from his housekeeper.

The cause of death is not clear. But according to his housekeeper, in an interview with PEOPLE, it was a heart attack because of the way his fists were clenched. “That’s why I know it was a heart attack. I had a heart attack a few years ago, and my hands did the same,” she said.